I built my first rail about 24 inches tall. Too scared to jump on it (I
know, I'm a wimp), I built one that maxes out at 11.5 inches. On the new
one, my tire is only 2 inches off the ground. It's also slanted, so
that the tire can actually rest on the rail when I'm riding it. This
gives me comfort, if nothing else.

Both rails were 5' long.

I overcame my fear of the smaller rail, I jumped on and slid a foot or
so. Great, I did it!

I had a second go, with similar results. My slicked up wood rail was
starting to look narly. I need to go buy that metal edge...

I had a third go, only this time, I was a little short. Front peg
goes on good, rear peg misses by a bit, and catches the edge. Bike
stops, body keeps going. Luckily, I wasn't too daring, and I was
going fairly slow. I couldn't help using my hands on the landing. I
tried, but it went so fast. The tip of my pinky finger nearly touched my
wrist.

I walk my bike to the garauge and proclaim that I am done BMXing! I'm
too old for this crap! Two weeks of healing, then 10 minutes of
riding before I screw up my other hand...

Later, I'm watching FUEL with my son. They are showing women snow
boarders. One of the young lady's is not as good as the rest, I think
to myself. Then, they show the "bad" rider, she says her name, and
her age -- 50! If she can do it, even if she don't look as good as
the young bucks, I can do it.

Will I kill myself? Only time will tell. Today I have a new slogan "28 going on 20".